Public defenders and court-appointed attorneys are not able to access adequate resources because of decreased funding

A review of exonerated cases has shown a trail of unacceptable defense lawyering at the trial and appeal levels. In some of the worst cases, defense attorneys have:

Slept in the courtroom during trial

Been disbarred shortly after finishing death penalty case

Failed to investigate alibis

Failed to call or consult experts on forensic evidence

Failed to show up for hearings

Remedies

There are a number of reforms that can improve defense lawyering. For example, securing adequate pay for public defenders may improve competency and quality of defense attorneys. Caseloads for defense lawyers should be required to meet federal standards. In addition, federal funds need to remain substantial as to not limit resources for defense lawyers.